Joining the 3.16 Hospital Clowns in Peru

While clowns from Caring Clowns International visit the children’s hospital in Lima, Peru, they join up with a Lima-based clown organization called 3.16 Hospital Clowns. We were first introduced to the 3.16 Hospital Clowns in 2017 and formed an immediate connection. During this year’s medical mission to Lima, the two groups again joined forces, clowning together at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Nino, children’s hospital.

The 3.16 Hospital Clowns started in 2015 as an element of the Emmanuel Bible Church art ministry. They formed after a connection with David Mata, a clown named POYOYO who had already been clowning at the Edgardo Rebagliati Hospital in Lima

“We love the comradery that’s grown between our two groups,” said Jed “Duffy” Selter, President of the Board and Executive Director of Caring Clowns International. “We support the 3.16 Hospital Clown’s efforts, bringing noses and balloons for them to use in their workshops and their hospital visits.”

By providing two clowning workshops a year, the group now has 40 members. They promote themselves through the 3.16PayasosDeHospital facebook page.

The all-volunteer group continues to clown at the Edgardo Rebagliati Hospital as well as the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Nino. In addition to the Saturday hospital visits, they unite with other groups in the community once a month to visit orphanages and shelters. Their focus is to service their neighbors – creating smiles and bringing happiness to those of all ages.

Founder of 3.16 Hospital Clowns POYOYO said, “We enjoy observing the different reactions from the children as they interact with the U.S. clowns. It’s clear the clowns don’t need to speak Spanish to be able to communicate because with your nose you can communicate with just a smile while absorbing oneself in a world of emotions.”

The number 3.16 in the group’s name comes from the bible verse John 3:16.